Body-Words of Love
Several years ago, before moving to Ireland, I completed a training to teach yoga. I began the program because I had practiced yoga for many years and longed to dive more deeply into it. I expected to fall in love with my own body even more in the process; what I didn’t expect was how much I would […]
Love and Hospitality (a love note from your online Abbess)
Dearest dancing monks, A few days ago I received an email from a woman who is writing her dissertation and asked me to respond to the question: “If you had to choose one spiritual practice that is a non-negotiable for spiritual growth in the 21st century, what would it be and why?” My answer was […]
Earth Monastery Project: Young Adult Vocational Development
Abbey of the Arts sponsors a small grant program called the Earth Monastery Project. We began the program in 2014 and so far we have funded six wonderful projects which nourish an earth-cherishing consciousness in our world. It is exciting to us to see the creativity at work in the world and how dancing monks are […]
Invitation to Photography: Community – Who is your tribe?
Welcome to this month’s Abbey Photo Party! I select a theme and invite you to respond with images. We began this month with a Community Lectio Divina practice with our reflection on the theme of Community (one of the principles of the Monk Manifesto) and belonging based on a quote by Thomas Merton. I invite you for this month’s Photo Party to hold these words in […]
Crossing the threshold into Lent and the Sacred Seasons
Dearest dancing monks, John and I had the great pleasure of attending the Brigid’s Eve festival procession last Saturday night in Kildare. Over a hundred and fifty people processed with candlelight and lanterns under the waxing moon and a scattering of stars, while singing in chants in both English and Irish. It was quite awe-inspiring. Then we […]
Earth Monastery Project: Sensory Peace Labyrinth
Abbey of the Arts sponsors a small grant program called the Earth Monastery Project. We began the program in 2014 and so far we have funded six wonderful projects which nourish an earth-cherishing consciousness in our world. It is exciting to us to see the creativity at work in the world and how dancing monks […]
Invitation to Lectio Divina: Community – Who is your tribe?
With February we offer a new invitation for contemplation. We are continuing our monthly exploration of each theme of the Monk Manifesto. Our focus for this month is Community – Who is your tribe? The third principle reads: I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share […]